May 17, 2011

Wallie Exercises by Steve Ettinger, C.S.C.S.

In the midst of a society dominated by technological advances (TV, video games, computers, cell phones,) the idea of a “couch potato,” has become alarmingly synonymous with the average American youth.

Founded in Los Angeles in the fall of 2008, Active Spud Press grew from an idea that it is possible to buck the trend and create a healthier, happier, more ACTIVE generation of children.

Now operating out of New York City, Active Spud Press is much more than just an idea. It is a publishing company specializing in picture books for children with an emphasis on health and fitness. By creating books and materials that promote exercise and nutrition in a fun yet informative manner, Active Spud Press is helping children become active and healthy.

With its first title “Wallie Exercises” due out in January 2011, Active Spud Press is excited at the opportunity to produce children’s literature that educates parents, teachers, and students alike.

About the Author
Steve Ettinger is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and Personal Trainer. He currently runs his own private training company in New York City.

Originally from Southern California, Steve has always enjoyed staying active. Forever an avid soccer player, he has earned several coaching certifications and has spent years working and volunteering in youth sports and physical education. He began training clients while earning a psychology degree from Boston University and worked as a children’s behavior therapist before deciding to dedicate himself to fitness full time.

Steve teamed up with illustrator Pete Proctor to create "Wallie Exercises," a picture book about finding fun ways to exercise.

Wallie Exercises

Steve Ettinger, C.S.C.S.

My Thoughts~!!

We just adored the book...the illustrations are just gorgeous, full of bright and engaging colours and easily attracted my children's attention. The animals depicted are cute, comical and very impressive, my little folks just fell in love with them and they had no problems doing the exercises.

Wallie is a very lazy dog and his belly is getting to big for his clothes, so his owner packs him up and searches for a place to help Wallie loose some weight. They meet Edwin the Exercise Elephant who takes Wallie under his wing and teaches him a few things. The prose is mostly done in rhyme, which is always successful in capturing a child's attention, as well as, having several sight words throughout the story. I have had to read this several times to my youngsters, and they have found it easy enough to read themselves, though they prefer me reading, I make up voices and they just love the voice I gave to Wallie!!

At the back of the book you will find cute exercises that you can incorporate with your children's daily regime, like Silly Shark Squats, Wallie Wiggle Wag Walks or Lazy Tag. With simple instructions on how to perform each, I soon had them all on the floor walking around on all fours and waggling their "tails". It was quite comical, they had a blast and they didn't even realize they were just exercising, until I explained it to them afterwards, and I'm fairly certain my 5 year old grand-daughter still doesn't believe me...LOL

This a very entertaining, visual and hands on book that I would suggest everyone grab a copy for their wee ones, day cares would benefit keeping such a book on hand also. The little ones would just love it and like I said, the exercises are simple and fun to do~!! Though the suggested age is 4, I think even younger ones would benefit from such, all kids like to pretend they are dogs!!

** Disclosure: I did not accept any compensation from the sponsors other than review copies, my views are my own, reviewed by me..as I see it~!! **